The Donegal Pathfinder team has been celebrated for their groundbreaking work in bedside blood testing.
The team was awarded the award for best poster in the “Access and Integration” category at the HSE Conference yesterday.
The award recognises the team’s presentation of their innovative work in bedside blood testing led by Catherine Kelly – Clinical, Specialist Physiotherapist and Gary Gardiner – Advanced Paramedic.
The quality improvement initiative involves a point of care blood test, piloted by the Letterkenny Pathfinder team, which has been a major enhancement to the service.
The bedside blood test means the Pathfinder Advanced Paramedic can analyse patient blood samples for dehydration and infection markers in their own home and relay the results directly back to their GP for a decision about their onward care.
This community-based triage tool can reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for older patients, allowing them to be successfully treated at home by Advanced Paramedics.
Pathfinder is a partnership between the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH). The team respond to 999/112 calls for older people (over the age of 65) with the aim of assessing and treating the person in their own home. The national programme was rolled out in the Letterkenny region in April 2023.
The HSE National Health Conference brings together health professionals, policymakers, and patient advocates to discuss seven pivotal initiatives that address the most pressing challenges facing the Irish healthcare system – from expanding primary care to implementing digital innovations and reducing waiting lists.
